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Not nearly as pretty as it’s upstream sibling, this small 30-foot cascade of Ranger Creek is probably best left to waterfall collectors. The falls splash down a series of sharp steps, smattered with windfalls and branches, decreasing the scenic quality of the falls slightly. While the falls can be seen, in part, from the Green Lake trail, the best views require scrambling off-trail, along steep slopes next to the falls. In the late spring and early summer, these falls could be quite impressive, however, considering the more impressive Ranger Falls just upstream, this one is still probably of interest mainly to waterfall collectors.
- LOWER RANGER FALLS is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Located within the Carbon River area of Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive south from Enumclaw along Highway 410 to just past Buckley to Highway 165, marked for Carbonado, Wilkeson and Mt. Rainier. Follow this road for 16 miles to the Carbon River Entrance Station of Mt Rainier National Park, and then proceed 3 miles to the signed Green Lake trailhead (parking on the left). Hike in for about 8/10 of a mile to where Ranger Creek first comes into view along the trail. The falls can be seen down in the small canyon. Obvious paths lead steeply down the slopes to where the falls can be clearly seen. Ranger Falls lies less than 5 minutes up the main trail.
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